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The connection between ancient "Wicca" (modern "witch craft") and Satanism is a pure fiction of the Catholic Inquisition that raged throughout Europe roughly between the 14th and 18th centuries. In its obsessive focus on obliterating heresy, the Church was responsible for the emergence of much misinformation. Wicca never followed any Christian beliefs, and since Satan emerges from the Christian belief system, the connection between Wicca and Satanism is ludicrous. Here's what happened.

Background

Ancient Wicca is a pagan belief system perhaps several thousand years old. During the Roman Empire, the conquerors often lived in municipalities whose members were called "civitatus" (the root word for our modern "civilian" and "civilization"). Those who lived in the country were called "pagans" (singular "pegus") which meant nothing more than rural dwellers.

It was in these rural areas that the ancient religions were practiced involving plenty of folklore, herbalogy, holy sites, techniques of prophesying, and such. When the Roman Empire fell, there were many people who continued to practice the "old religion"

The Inquisition

In 1231, Pope Gregory IX declared the need to find heretics, and either to have them repent or be punished. The Holy Office of the Inquisition was established under the authority of the Dominican priests. At first, the parameters of who was a heretic were wide: anyone who did not pledge their faith to Mother Church. Thus Jews, scientists, gypsies, and any non-believers were targets. Soon the Inquisition spun out of control. A simple accusation that someone was a heretic was sufficient for a trial. Naturally, the people (male and female) who still practiced the old religion became perfect targets. In the frenzy, the accusers began making increasingly outrageous claims. They attached the concept of Satan worship to the pagans. (Since pagans were not Christians, and Satan is a Christian concept, the so called devil worship was simply inconceivable to pagans)

In 1486, the infamous "Malleus Maleficarum", (a book about how to recognize and punish witches) was published. The persecution of pagans as "witches" was institutionalized. It was only until the 18th century in the age of reason, that the Inquisition petered out.

Modern Wicca

In recent times "Wicca" has emerged as a nature based set of beliefs. These values have been resurrected as best as can be done from any knowledge of the ancient beliefs. Since it is not even certain if there once was a single Wicca belief system, there are many versions of modern Wicca. It would not be surprising if some of these "covens" actually developed a form of Satan worship - there is simply no central, orthodox Wicca system to keep them all honest

As well, there are bona fide Satanic cults,which practice rites and rituals similar to legitimate Wicca. To the casual, careless observer, the two belief systems could be confused

Ultimately, the public viewpoint of Wicca is distorted. A failure to understand that Satan worship had been unfairly thrust on people who practiced an old religion creates a sad public misperception of modern Wicca.

Learn more about this author, Lorne Yacuk.
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